Darker mantled large gull Hampshire, late March 2025 (1 Viewer)

[pdwinter]

I received these images from a friend wondering if they are of a Yellow-legged Gull.
My thoughts were that, despite the bird in the image being overexposed (blown highlights), it is more likely to be a Lesser Black-backed Gull - at the paler end of L.g.graellsii - although I think the pattern of mirrors in the primaries could fit either species (lack of mirror on P9 and broad black band on P5).

I'd be grateful for some expert advice.

Thanks in advance

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello Paul,

agree with you I think its an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Dark band formed by inner primaries and secondaries is too dark for most Yellow legged Gulls. For example against this bird (S-Germany, 15.07.2012)

https://flic.kr/p/2qZnauc

Or this (Heidelberg, SW-Germany)

https://flic.kr/p/Rz1XSb

https://flic.kr/p/S63xhb

It also lacks the slight blueish hue of many Yellow legged Gulls.

 

[pdwinter]

Thanks Alexander - nice pics.
I'm afraid my eyes don't seem to pick up the blueish hue in YLG !